Watson shines in nine goal thriller

At the time it must have seemed a good idea. Wigan 4-1 up after 60 minutes and totally dominating the game,with a passing game that wouldn't look out of place in the Premier League. The move was to substitute Watson with Saturday's game in mind. However what happened was that United poured through the centre of midfield resulting in a final score of 5-4 to the reds.

On arriving at the stadium tonight it appeared that spring had arrived such was the apparent bird song.
What it turned out to be was the incessant noise of inflatable hammers given out by the JJ'S club.

Latics included both Watson and Edman with a view to mget them both match fit operated a 4-5-1 system with the impressive Cwyka up front and plenty of pace on both wings in the shape of Mahon and Kupisz.

Latics first chance came as early as the third minute when a lovely through ball from the impressive Holt was just too long for Kupisz.

This was followed by a lovely run from Routledge which earned Wigan a corner but was easilt taken by the keeper.

The first goal had an element of controversy about,a through ball beat Latics offside trap and Welbeck buried the ball past the advancing Nicholls.
This was cruel on Latics as with Watson dominating midfield and Cwyka a constant threat up front Latics seemed to look likely to score.

The officals have a difficult job to do , however their performances didnt endear themsleves to the supporters. Kupisz put a lovely ball through for Holt but was scythed down in the process. Holt was through one on one with the keeper but the over officious Mr Metcalfe brought play back and awarded Latics the free kick.

Latics could have and should have had a penalty when Cwyka appeared to be brought down in the area but the referee waved play on.

Latics got their deserved equiliser, a set piece from Edman was floated over and a bullet header from Cwyka beat the United keeper.

Latics continued to push forward and were rewarded when a lucky deflection fell to Kupisz who buried the ball past the keeper.

Latics went in to the half time break with a deserved 2-1 lead which was a testimony to their total dominance of the first half in which Nicholls the WIgan keeper was virtually a passenger.

The second half started off in much the same vein with Latics passing the ball with flair. The third goal however was scrappy, United's defence faield to deal with a free kick and Cwyka had the easiest of chances .

Holt was then rewarded for a lively performance when he broke through and was blatently brought down in the area. This time the referee awarded the penalty and Holt planted the ball past the keeper.

Watson was then substituted and the game totally turned on its head. Two goals from Mancheda and one from Welbeck brought United level the first which again looked suspiciously offside and United's improbable comeback was complete.

United at this time were down to ten men as Mancheda had been sent off but in truth the shell shocked Wigan totally failed to push their man advantage in their attempt to salvage somethign from the game

In the end it was a mistake form the Latics centre half Pearson, gifting a ball to Lee Martin in the 6 yard area giving them a simple tap in to make it 5-4.

Latics carried on pushing forward but in the end they weren't able to get the equiliser their game deserved.

Ben Watson... an effective contriolling presence which was emphasised after he was substituted.
Only touched the ball 6 times and 5 were to pick the ball out of the net. One superlative save This lad has gone back in the last two years. Looked very slow and ponderous. An excellent performance which will contribute to hsi amtch fitness A lively performance For 60 minutes an effortless performance As for Pearson Reminded me of a young Andy Liddell. He is devloping into an exciting winger. Showed his defensive qualities and his substitution were pivotal in the game. Pacy and gave the United defence a torrid evening. A promising display from a young man Has moved from a midfielder to a forward and is thriving. Had little opportunity to influence the game Bertchin...7/10 Has turned around the team and they are playing wonderful football. Unlucky to lose tonight.

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